Carroll County Conservation is inviting the public to join them later this week for an in-depth look at how to identify Iowa’s falcons, hawks and other birds of prey. Raptor ID begins at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 6 at the Swan Lake Conservation Education Center and will be led by Naturalist, Matt Wetrich. The free course provides attendees with a sheet containing bird outlines and covers details on what separates eagles from hawks, hawks from falcons, and more. Instruction is geared towards individuals 12 years old and up. Attendees can take their identification sheet home with them after the program. Fall is generally one of the best times to see raptors in Iowa, as many are in the process of migrating to warmer climates. The birds are often drawn to fields as they are being harvested as the activity pushes potential prey into the open. For more information on Wednesday’s Raptor ID program, contact the Swan Lake Education Center at 712-792-4614.
